62nd SETTE COLLI TROPHY
- Friday, June 26th – Sunday, June 28th
- Prelims at 9am local (3am ET)/A-Finals at 7pm local (1pm ET)
- Foro Italico, Rome, Italy
- SwimSwam Preview
- Entry List
- Prelims Recaps: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3
- Finals Recaps: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3
- Live Results
- Prelims Livestream
- Finals Livestream
The final day of the 2026 Sette Colli Trophy wrapped up with another world record from Gretchen Walsh, another Italian record from Sara Curtis, and several athletes already looking ahead to this summer’s European Championships.
Below are some of the key reactions from Rome.
Gretchen Walsh (USA) – Gold, 50 Freestyle (World Record 23.55)
“I really felt like I executed the race well. When I saw the time, I wasn’t completely sure I had broken the world record because I didn’t remember it perfectly. Once I realized I had done it, everything made sense. I’m just happy I got my hand on the wall first. I’ll celebrate with some spritz! When people ask me how far Sara Curtis can go, I always answer: ‘As far as she wants.'”
Sara Curtis (Italy) – Bronze, 50 Freestyle (Italian Record 24.43)
“I’m really happy and satisfied. The hug with Gretchen was wonderful. She said some beautiful things to me and I’m so happy for her world record. Despite the pressure, I felt very calm. Moving to the United States has given me new friendships, which was something I really needed. It has been a huge step, but it was worth it. I’m proud to have raced in two finals alongside two world records.”
Sarah Sjostrom (Sweden) – Silver, 50 Freestyle
“I’m really happy. Swimming keeps evolving and it’s beautiful to still be part of that process. Maybe ten years ago I helped push the sport forward, and today I’m still here racing against the new generation. Just being here and competing at this level is more than I could have dreamed of. These are my two fastest swims since giving birth ten months ago.”
Marrit Steenbergen (Netherlands)
“It still feels a little unreal. Yesterday was crazy, then I had to come back this morning and race again. After a world record it’s strange to switch back into racing mode, but I’m really happy. We went out for dinner last night instead of staying in the hotel. Next week I have our European Trials, so I still have to stay focused before celebrating properly.”
Kliment Kolesnikov (Russia)
“The 200 freestyle went better than I expected. I actually enjoyed swimming it. I thought I’d be slower. Tomorrow we’re heading home to prepare for the European Championships. I really like Rome. I’ve been coming here since 2010. My favorite Italian desserts are panna cotta and cheesecake. Pasta doesn’t really agree with me.”
Daniel Wiffen (Ireland)
“I’m very happy with how everything went, although I’m really tired after these races. We had a great time in Rome despite the heat, and we’ll post a video about our Sette Colli experience on our YouTube channel.”
Gregorio Paltrinieri (Italy)
“I came here to honor the Sette Colli. It was a very difficult race because I’m not in great shape, but I treated it as training. I think Italy will have a very strong team at the European Championships. There are many swimmers capable of winning gold. Being around this national team still motivates me after so many years.”
Simona Quadarella (Italy) – Gold, 400 Freestyle
“I’m happy because I swam faster than I did at Mare Nostrum in the 400 freestyle. My best race this week was probably the 1500, but that was also the first one and I was more rested. Overall I’m satisfied. I really wanted to race the 400 and I’m happy to defend my title.”
Carlos D’Ambrosio (Italy) – Silver, 200 Freestyle
“The level is getting higher every year, especially in Europe. I won’t say I’m going to break the Italian record because I’m superstitious, but I want to get close to my best time. Racing relays and individual events is completely different mentally, but I think I manage pressure pretty well.”
Matteo Diodato (Italy) – Gold, 1500 Free
“I’m really happy. I wanted to swim well because I knew I was capable of it. I’ve improved a lot and achieved the qualifying time for the European Championships. That’s exactly what I worked for.”
Quotes courtesy of the Italian Swimming Federation.
